Category: Istanbul – Turkey

If you happen to be a vegetarian or fishertarian as we are, then dining in Turkey is not a problem.  Many of the Turkish dishes are based on aubergine, zucchini, tomatoes or peppers, usually stuffed with rice …

If ever you need convincing that the Turkish like their sweets, a visit to the Egyptian Spice Market will do the job.  Here you’ll …

A visit to a Turkish carpet centre is unavoidable on any organized tour to Turkey.  We’ve been to a few carpet centres in the past, but nevertheless, we still find the experience …

Just opposite from the Blue Mosque is the famous Pudding Shop, also known as the Lale Restaurant.  Two brothers, Idris and Namik Colpan, opened the Lale Pastahanesi in 1957.  The Pudding Shop …

The Egyptian Spice market is the oldest bazaar in Istanbul.  After the Grand Bazaar, the Egyptian Spice Market is the second largest covered market.  It was named Mısır Çarşısı or Egyptian Bazaar because …

DAY 3 – Our morning visit was to the Hagia Sophia, noted to be the most magnificent of the Byzantine churches.  Had a great time here checking out the mosaics depicting various religious scenes.  The original mosaics had been destroyed during …

DAY 2 – Istanbul is a fascinating city that owns the distinction of being the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia. It’s distinguished history as capital to three empires, the Roman, Byzantine …

DAY 1 – Our journey this morning began at 4 a.m. when we had to make our way to Leeds-Bradford airport and then to London, Frankfurt and finally arriving in Istanbul at 5.30 p.m.  Arrival procedures included having to …